Student Profile: Jeilyn Godin ’25 is Balancing Speed and Study

Jeilyn Godin, a criminal justice major with a minor in business management, has set her sights on an ambitious career path. When she graduates from Westfield State University, she hopes to be a paramedic, possibly working as an EMT at inline speed skating events when she is not already busy skating professionally.

Godin is well on her way towards those dreams as she has recently been named to the Team U.S.A. inline roller speed skating team. She, along with her teammates, will compete internationally at The World Skate Games in Italy this September. Specializing in endurance racing, Godin frequently competes in 10-15k races on parabolic tracks, where races can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.

Her passion for speed skating ignited at the age of ten, inspired by watching her father, now a coach for Team New England in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Team New England was recognized as the best in the nation in 2021 and continues to uphold a reputation for excellence sending two local skaters to the World Games.

Godin and her teammates will spend about three weeks in Italy, which she is eagerly anticipating. "I’ve actually been to Italy one other time," she shared, "you get to see the countryside when you compete, and it’s just beautiful."

Competing at the international level often requires sponsorship, as is also the case with Godin. Supported by David Weber, creator of a world-class facility for speed skaters in Florida, she plans to return there for training before her competition.

Balancing her rigorous training schedule with academic responsibilities has become more manageable over time, thanks in part to online classes that offer flexibility. "It’s very difficult to balance your school and skating life," Godin noted. "If you want to do it, though, you just have to find the time." She sees the busy balancing act as good training for her future when she will need to balance her career and her passions. 

Godin credits several faculty members for their support of her unique situation. "I look to them for understanding, and they work with me."

Reflecting on her journey as an athlete, Godin emphasized the importance of patience and resilience. "I’ve had my sponsor quite literally tell me that he can say ‘I believe in you' until we are both blue in the face,” she explained. “But he said I have to believe in myself, or it’s not going to happen. I’ve been trying out for this team for a few years now, and you just have to believe you can get there. You can’t give up on yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, it doesn’t work."

Jeilyn Godin’s journey showcases the power of perseverance and self-belief. Balancing academics and athletic training, she credits the University’s supportive faculty and flexible online classes as she prepares to compete internationally. With dedication and resilience, Godin proves that one can achieve remarkable goals both on and off the track.